Federal Court Blocks Alabama Map, Restores Two Districts
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Washington — On Tuesday a federal district court temporarily blocked Alabama from using the congressional map adopted by state lawmakers in 2023, finding the plan intentionally discriminated against Black voters and violated the 14th Amendment; the judges ordered the state to use a court-selected map featuring two majority-Black districts that was used in the 2024 elections.
Montgomery and state officials have signaled they will appeal and the governor scheduled special primaries in affected districts for August; the injunction follows a recent Supreme Court decision that altered Voting Rights Act interpretations and returned the case to the district court this week, creating immediate scheduling and legal uncertainty for candidates, election administrators, and voting-rights groups.
More context
Timeline
- 1. 2023: Alabama legislature adopts a congressional map featuring one majority-Black district.
- 2. 2024: Courts implement a court-selected map with two majority-Black districts for the 2024 elections.
- 3. June 2024 (recent month): Supreme Court issues a decision altering Voting Rights Act interpretations, prompting reconsideration.
- 4. This week: Three-judge federal panel issues preliminary injunction blocking use of the 2023 map.
- 5. State officials schedule special primaries for August and indicate plans to appeal the injunction.
Why it matters
This court decision affects your voting rights. It could change who represents you in Congress. If you're in Alabama, check your district's status. It might be different for the August primaries.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
